Japanese Firms Showing Signs Of Interest In The India's Startups

BANGALORE: Of late the Far East has shown sign of interest in the India's startup ecosystem. A growing number of Japanese-led firms like Softbank Capital are making their way to India in hopes of sharing in the success.

On the other hand, Tokyo-based Beenos Partners has backed high-flying startups like ShopClues and Citrus Pay, while Singapore-based Rebright Partners disclosed a $20 million funding for India this week. Other budding investors such as IMJ Investment Partners and M&S Partners are moving at a fast pace to strike gold in the blooming sector as well, reports ET

"We are interested in India-only services, as well as startups which want to go abroad. We can help with global expansions in Southeast Asia, Japan, U.S .and China, because of our presence there," said Hiro Mashita, founder and director of M&S Partners.

The Singapore-based company who had recently taken interest in the Indian market, is all set close four deals in the next couple of months. Although a domestic economic has decelerated over the past decade, Japanese funds have been directed towards the thriving Southeast Asian market as many venture firms are running out of Singapore. Having witnessed the impressive growth in China, they are eagerly waiting to reap similar benefits of growth trend in India.

"The Japanese have a very small consumer market. Hence, they have always looked at emerging markets, China being one of them," said Vikram Upadhyaya, chief mentor at Greenhouse Ventures, which works frequently with Japanese investors who are probing for opportunities in the country.